Emerging from Seclusion

The temperature plummeted at night.

The iron brazier crackled as it burned, its flames giving off heat to drive away the chill.

The fire illuminated only one corner of the hall; the distance remained dim. Shadows on the walls danced and swayed with the flames, eerie and sinister. Minister Zhe, worn down in body and spirit, pulled his heavy clothes tighter, as though that might warm him somewhat. Light shone across the side of his aged face, leaving his expression hidden in shadow.

As he watched True Human Yu of the Pure Yang Sect and an elderly monk from the Western Teachings opposite him, an ominous premonition suddenly rose in his heart.

Yu Rong explained the situation in detail, including the Blood Sacrifice of over ten thousand people, laying out the stakes.

Minister Zhe understood the greater picture and knew how urgent matters were. Having heard the account, he immediately understood what needed to be done and what the masters of the two sects intended to say.

The loose skin on his old face sagged, his eye bags hanging long. His cheeks trembled as he remained silent for a long while...

After some time, his lips quivered as he spoke.

"My lords, the Imperial Court's two hundred thousand reinforcements arrived this afternoon. Tomorrow... our Yan Kingdom Imperial Court will deploy four hundred thousand troops. This old man will go with them. I am their commander. Even if... even if the entire army is wiped out, I will lead them to the underworld."

"..."

No one spoke. Forget ordinary soldiers—even Yu Rong and the old monk did not know whether they would return.

"Minister, rest assured. The Snake Demon Army will dispatch sixty thousand troops while the rest remain behind, and the Nine Li will do the same. With an alliance